Are you looking for a delicious and healthy low carb breakfast or keto snackyou can enjoy anytime? Keto Banitsa, with its Bulgarian/Balkan roots, is made with only a few simple ingredients. This bread-like snack is not only keto-friendly and low in carbs but also rich in fiber.
Indulge in a tasty and satisfying keto snack without derailing your healthy eating objectives.
This flourless Keto bread recipe is both straightforward and quick to prepare. Keto Banitsa, a celebrated recipe from Eastern Europe, is perfect for Keto breakfast or convenient keto snacks on the go. It can be eaten hot or cold: perfect for keto meal planning. It can also serve as a superb alternative to Keto bread alongside your Keto lunch or Low-Carb dinner meal.
If you’d like to see how I made this recipe, check out my quick YouTube video for helpful process shots and tips!
What Is Banitsa, and Where Does It Originate?
Banitsa is a traditional Bulgarian pastry, usually composed of phyllo dough, eggs, and cheese, relished as a breakfast item or snack. The origins of Banitsa date back to the medieval era in the Balkans, where it was a common creation in rural homes, often made to utilize leftover ingredients. As time progressed, Banitsa gained popularity across Bulgaria and has since become an integral part of the nation’s culinary legacy. Presently, Banitsa is available in various flavors and styles, including vegetarian and meat-filled options.
How To Make Banitsa Keto Friendly Snack?
If you’re a fan of Greek and Bulgarian cuisine, or if you’re eager to try something new and different, you might have encountered Banitsa. This scrumptious pastry is traditionally made with layers of phyllo dough, feta cheese, and eggs. However, for those on a low-carb or keto diet, the classic Banitsa’s high carb content is off-limits. But don’t worry, I’ve devised a low-carb, gluten-free, and keto-friendly Banitsa recipe that rivals the original in deliciousness.
The golden rule for Keto recipes is minimal carbs. So, how do we achieve this? It’s quite straightforward.
First things first, let’s talk about what makes this keto banitsa recipe so special. In contrast to the traditional version, which is made with a wheat-based pastry dough, this recipe is completely flourless.
This means it’s not only low-carb but also gluten-free, making it an excellent option for those avoiding wheat or other grains.
What’s the secret to crafting this delectable flourless bread? It’s all about the cheese! This keto bread recipe is made with a mixture of grated cheddar and feta cheese, which helps to give it a light and fluffy texture while also adding plenty of flavor.
The key to this recipe is to forgo the phyllo dough and opt for a mix of psyllium husk and cheeses instead. These components not only endow the Banitsa with a rich, cheesy essence but also ensure it’s gluten-free. The filling, comprised of eggs, feta cheese, and cheddar cheese, imparts that authentic Mediterranean savor.
Ingredients
- Medium eggs
- Psyllium husks
- Creme fraiche or yogurt
- Baking powder
- Feta cheese
- Cheddar cheese
How To Make The Ultimate Low Carb Keto Banitsa Recipe?
To prepare the keto Banitsa, start by preheating your oven to 430°F (220°C). Then, combine all the ingredients, as listed in the recipe card, in a mixing bowl. Stir thoroughly until the mixture is uniform and smooth.
Allow the keto dough to rest for 10 to 15 minutes at room temperature. If the room is cool, consider adding additional resting time. The dough will thicken slightly and will resemble traditional dough more closely.
Next, line a baking sheet with parchment paper and spread the dough into a thin, even layer. Bake the keto bread for 12-15 minutes, or until it’s golden brown and slightly crispy around the edges.
Let it cool for a few minutes before slicing and serving. Enjoy it warm or cold, as you prefer.
How And What With To Serve Keto Banitsa?
This low carb keto Banitsa is perfect for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. You can enjoy it on its own or serve it with a side salad for a complete meal. The best part? You don’t have to worry about the guilt that comes with indulging in traditional Banitsa, thanks to this flourless and gluten-free version. Give this recipe a try and let us know how you like it!
Cold savory keto snack on the go or in the office: Place it in a container or wrap it in foil and take it with you to work.
Fancy a quick keto dessert? Why not sprinkle a little bit of a keto friendly sweetener (ideally powdered)? My mother adds a little bit of lemonade in the traditional banitsa recipe and it tastes sweet and savory and it’s so satisfying. That’s how I came up with the idea of sprinkling a bit of sweetener on top of the keto banitsa or sipping lemonade while enjoying this low carb snack.
What about having keto banitsa to go with your keto dinner? As this gluten free banitsa tastes similar to bread, you can use it like keto bread or even keto wraps (if you spread the keto dough very thin).
This low-carb keto Banitsa is perfect for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. Enjoy it solo or pair it with a side salad for a well-rounded meal.
The best part? You can indulge without the guilt typically associated with traditional Banitsa, thanks to this flourless and gluten-free version.
For a cold savory keto snack on the go or at the office, simply place it in a container or wrap it in foil to take along to work.
In the mood for a quick keto dessert? Consider sprinkling a bit of keto-friendly sweetener (ideally powdered) on top. Drawing inspiration from my mother, who adds a touch of lemonade to the traditional banitsa for a sweet and savory taste, I suggest a light dusting of sweetener on the keto banitsa or enjoying it with a sip of lemonade for a delightful low-carb treat.
And for dinner? Since this gluten-free Banitsa has a bread-like quality, feel free to use it as keto bread or even keto wraps (especially if you roll the dough out thinly).
In summary, this keto Banitsa recipe offers a delicious and healthy way to enjoy a flavorful snack without straying from your low-carb or keto diet. With its airy texture and rich, savory taste, it’s bound to become a staple in your recipe repertoire. Give it a try today and discover the joys of keto cooking!
Other Low Carb Keto Breakfast Recipes:
- Devilishly Delicious Breakfast Muffins Pepperoni Keto Egg Muffins
- Keto Chaffwich: The Ultimate Low Carb Sandwich Replacement
- The Secret to Perfectly Crispy Keto Chaffle Pizza (Flourless)
Low Carb Keto Breakfast Bread: Banitsa
Equipment
- 1 Spatula
- 1 Oven
Ingredients
- 4 Medium Eggs
- 3 tsp Psyllium husks
- 3.5 oz Crème Fraiche or Yogurt
- 1/2 tsp Baking Powder
- 3.5 oz Feta Cheese
- 1.75 oz Cheddar Cheese
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 430°F (220°C).
- In a large mixing bowl, combine all the ingredients: eggs, psyllium husks, crème fraiche or yogurt, feta cheese, Cheddar cheese and baking powder. Stir thoroughly until the mixture is uniform and smooth.
- Allow the keto dough to rest for 10 to 15 minutes at room temperature.
- Next, line a baking sheet with parchment paper and spread the dough into a thin, even layer.
- Transfer the dough to a pizza tray or other oven proof tray. Press the dough into the bottom and sides of the dish to form a crust.
- Bake the keto bread for 12-15 minutes, or until it’s golden brown and slightly crispy around the edges.
- Let it cool for a few minutes before slicing and serving. Enjoy it warm or cold, as you prefer.